Product classification
HS code for Silk cocoons (waste): 5003.00
Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock).
Classification of silk cocoons (waste) under HS 5003.00
The classification for silk waste, including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, is HS code 500300. This code is part of Chapter 50, which governs silk in all its forms. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, silk waste consists of the by-products of the various stages of silk production. This includes cocoons that cannot be reeled because they are broken, stained, or have been perforated by the exit of the silk moth. It also includes yarn waste (such as tangled threads from the reeling process) and garnetted stock (fibers obtained by tearing up silk rags or scraps). The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the heading 5003 specifically names silk waste. The distinction between "raw" silk and "waste" silk is vital; raw silk is a primary product intended for high-end textile manufacturing, while waste is often processed into "spun silk" or used for padding. The physical state of the material—whether it is in its natural state, carded, or combed—can affect the sub-classification in some regional tariffs, but 500300 remains the international standard for the base material. Importers must ensure that the cocoons are truly "unsuitable for reeling" to avoid being flagged for misdeclaration of raw silk. This material is frequently used in the production of lower-grade silk yarns or as filling material in high-end bedding and insulation.
- Covers
- Punctured silk cocoons
- Silk noils
- Silk yarn waste
- Garnetted silk stock
- Blaze (silk waste from the outer layer of the cocoon)
- Silk thread scraps
- Also under 5003.00
- Spun silk yarn from waste
- Silk insulation material
- Silk paper pulp
- Silk batting
Codes often confused with 5003.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 500100, which is reserved for silk cocoons that are suitable for reeling. These are high-value, intact cocoons. Another common error is confusing silk waste with raw silk under 500200. Raw silk is the continuous filament thread, whereas 500300 is for discontinuous or damaged fibers. Additionally, if the silk waste has been processed into yarn, it should be classified under 500500 (silk yarn) rather than 500300.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500300 (the code used for silk cocoons (waste)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500300 (the code used for silk cocoons (waste)) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world imports. Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.7% of its exports here ($758K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 500300, not only silk cocoons (waste).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $37M 35% of world exports
- 2 India $33M 31% of world exports
- 3 Germany $10M 9.5% of world exports
Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.7% of its exports here ($758K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $108M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $48M 43% of world imports
- 2 Italy $34M 31% of world imports
- 3 Germany $10M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $112M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for silk cocoons (waste)
Brazil splits HS 5003.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5003.00.10Silk waste, not carded or combed
- 5003.00.90Other silk waste, carded or combed
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silk cocoons (waste)
What is the HS code for Silk cocoons (waste)?
The HS code for Silk cocoons (waste) is 500300 (Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock)). The HS code for silk waste, which includes cocoons unsuitable for reeling, is 500300.
How do I classify Silk cocoons (waste) for customs?
Silk cocoons (waste) is classified under HS code 500300 — Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What makes a cocoon "unsuitable for reeling"?
A cocoon is unsuitable for reeling if the continuous filament is broken. This usually happens if the silk moth has emerged, if the cocoon is moldy, or if it was damaged during the harvesting process, preventing the extraction of a single long thread.
Which countries are the top exporters of silk cocoons (waste) (HS 500300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500300 (the code used for silk cocoons (waste)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 35% of world exports), India ($33M) and Germany ($10M). World exports came to about $108M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.7% of its exports here ($758K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of silk cocoons (waste) (HS 500300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500300 (the code used for silk cocoons (waste)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($48M, 43% of world imports), Italy ($34M) and Germany ($10M). World imports came to about $112M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Silk cocoons (waste) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500300 for Silk cocoons (waste) is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for silk cocoons (waste) in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 500300 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for silk cocoons (waste) depends on the product's details: 5003.00.10 (Silk waste, not carded or combed), 5003.00.90 (Other silk waste, carded or combed).